§ 2. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary for Mines whether the inquiry into overtime in the Scottish coalfield has started; and if the workmen's representatives will be asked to meet the inspector at each colliery when he makes the investigation?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe answer to the first part of the question is "Yes." With regard to the second part, I arranged with the Mineworkers' Federation that the inspectors should confer with their representatives in the Scottish districts, and they expressed their concurrence in this arrangement. I am informed that a meeting took place on Thursday last between His Majesty's Inspectors and members of the Executive of the National Union of Scottish Miners, at which the whole question was fully discussed. I cannot promise any specific procedure at individual pits, but the inspectors have full discretion in the matter.
§ Mr. TINKERWhile thanking the hon. Member for his answer, may I ask him 1392 if the inquiry in Scotland gives satisfaction to the workmen, he will have the position reviewed in Lancashire as we urged the same procedure as he is adopting in Scotland?
§ Mr. GORDON MACDONALDDoes the inspection in Scotland differ from the inspection in Lancashire?
§ Mr. BROWNThe terms of reference are the same. We have had consultations after what happened in Lancashire.